MICKY Nelson admits to going a bit “stale” during his time at Hartlepool United – and hopes a change of club and emphasis will kick-start his career.

The central defender, who this week announced he would not be signing the contract on offer at Victoria Park, yesterday signed a two-year deal with Norwich City.

He links up again with former Pools assistant boss Ian Butterworth, who is now part of the coaching staff at Carrow Road.

And now it’s Butterworth’s job to get Nelson back to the sort of form he displayed during the record-breaking 2006/7 season, when he was part of a back four that kept 22 clean sheets as Pools were promoted.

“He’s a dependable guy and has a good attitude,’’ said Butterworth.

“He explained that he had gone stale at his previous club and hopefully this will give him fresh impetus.

We’ve given him the platform to show his worth.

“He said he wanted the chance to play on a bigger stage and we’ve given him that bigger stage. It’s now up to him to take that chance and I’m sure he will.’’ Nelson sits 14th in Pools’ all-time appearance list after playing 306 times since moving from Bury in 2003.

“The club doesn’t need much selling to be honest,’’ he admitted. “The stadium and the training facilities have to be up there with the best in the Championship, never mind League One.’’ “I haven’t been quite happy with my form over the last 12 months and I think a change of club and culture will do me good. I always felt that getting towards the summer it was going to be time to move on.’’ Nelson will be making a quick return to his former club as Pools host the Canaries at Victoria Park on August 29.

“It’s definitely one to look forward to,’’ he said. “I was there six years and had some quite successful seasons. I enjoyed my time there and made some good friends.’’ Pools could be ready to finally secure the services of Stockport left-back Michael Rose.

But goalkeeping coach George Wood has left the club to link up with Danny Wilson at Swindon Town, while Matty Robson is a target for Carlisle United.